Edentulous

The clinical term for being "toothless."

Why It Matters

The edentulous state leads to resorption (melting away) of the jawbone. Without teeth or implants to stimulate the bone, facial collapse occurs, leading to a prematurely aged appearance.

Clinical Details

• Consequences: Difficulty chewing (masticatory dysfunction), speech issues, and nutritional deficiencies.

FAQ

What is edentulous?

It means lacking teeth. A patient with no teeth is "fully edentulous."